OSU earns state health awards in several categories

Wednesday, March 14, 2018

Oklahoma State University recently received Certified Healthy Oklahoma Program awards for its 2017 wellness initiatives involving the campus, business, restaurants, and its early childhood development program.

“As a national leader in campus health and well-being, the Certified Healthy Oklahoma awards help demonstrate that Oklahoma State University practices what it preaches through the support and leadership of its administration and employees,” Chief Wellness Officer Todd Misener said. “Through our example, we hope to inspire other businesses and campuses in Oklahoma to promote health and well-being to its employees and students.” 

This is OSU’s seventh-year to be recognized as a Certified Healthy Campus. The healthy campus program was created in 2011, and the healthy business program has been around since 2003.

All awards serve to recognize organizations that promote health and wellness for faculty, staff, students and visitors. Passing policies that encourage healthy lifestyles, such as OSU’s tobacco-free campus, and making facilities available for physical activities are ways a campus or business can support wellness. 

“We are excited to be designated as a Certified Healthy Campus again this year,” Assistant Director of Employee Wellness Kim Beard said. “We truly believe this prestigious award exemplifies OSU’s commitment to the well-being of its employees, students and community members.”

Altogether, OSU received the highest level of certification for its campus, business and six campus restaurants, including Bread & Beyond, Which Wich, Country BBQ Co., The Natural, Zest and B&B Co.

“It’s wonderful to be a part of OSU, where we recognized that health and wellness play a significant role in the academic success of our students,” University Dinning Services Dietitian Patty Anson said. “Healthy Dining and the Choose Orange Healthy Icon program play an important part in the overall healthy campus initiatives. 

In Oklahoma, the major causes of death and disability are from chronic conditions such as heart disease, cancer, stroke and Type 2 diabetes. Many of these conditions are preventable. Alongside OSU, many business and organizations are becoming certified to improve Oklahoma’s health-driven future.  

The Certified Healthy Oklahoma Program is a collaborative initiative sponsored by the Oklahoma Turning Point Council, the Oklahoma Academy for State Goals, the Oklahoma State Chamber, and the Oklahoma State Department of Health. The program’s categories include business, campus, community, congregation, early childhood program, restaurant, and school.

Story by Michaela Gleason